Football Season Guide

After a difficult start to last season, Bochum eventually got their act together to finish comfortably in mid-table. Rosler took charge in October with the club in the bottom three, but he turned things around almost instantly. Bochum have been busy overseeing a major overhaul in the summer with 10 new signings and 16 outgoings. Out of the newcomers, attacking midfielder Berkan Taz is the pick of the bunch. He notched 17 goals and 21 assists in the third division with Verl last season, and should be the ideal replacement for Onyeka after he returned to Leverkusen. Experienced Estonian international Karol Mets has joined from St.Pauli, but will face stiff competition for the central defensive position with other newcomers Karademir and Steinwender. In defensive midfield Albanian Cokaj and former Bremen star Mbom have been brought in to help compensate for the loss of rising star Lenz, who left to join Hoffenheim in a big money move. Wingers Rasmussen and Drakas should provide competition for Miyachi and Holtmann on the flanks while Hanslik is a decent backup striker for key-man Hofmann up front. All of their players are on permanent contracts rather than loan deals so this should be seen as a positive and with Rosler at the helm, you would expect them to be a match for anyone, especially on home soil. Due to many changes, it could take time for Bochum to hit their stride, they will be looking to avoid another poor start to the season, something which has been an issue in recent years.